The following position statement is currently under review to align with the National School Library Standards.
AASL supports National Board Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification as recognition of accomplished teaching in the field of library media. AASL further recognizes that the National Board standards are closely aligned with its own which support the role of the school librarian as a teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and program administrator as outlined in Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs.
National Board assessment measures what an accomplished school librarian should know and should do in the context of their daily work. AASL members are encouraged to pursue National Board certification as a way of demonstrating their accomplished practice and as a means of professional development.
School librarians who complete National Board certification are encouraged to mentor candidates in appropriate ways and to use the knowledge they have gained to better the field. They should also continue their professional development as contributing members to their professional organizations on the local, state, and national levels.
Further, school librarians should support all teachers seeking National Board certification by providing a space to work in the school/district school library and providing research tools for test and portfolio preparation.
Revised 09/01/2010